DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic and family violence is almost as common as pelvic floor dysfunction for women, yet we are not trained in the signs and symptoms, nor what to do if we suspect abuse.

Domestic and family violence is behaviour that coerces, controls, or causes a person to be afraid. The abuse can happen in different ways, including emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, verbal, social, financial, spiritual, harassment, and stalking. Withdrawal of reproductive rights and forced marriage are also forms of domestic abuse. You do not need to be physically hurt to have experienced domestic and/or family violence. Domestic and family violence is often about a pattern of behaviour that causes fear.

Because each person if different, both the abuser and victim can be confused about whether or not the behaviour is abusive. The key point to understanding domestic and family violence is the feelings of fear experienced by the victim – regardless of your personal opinion of whether or not the situation is abusive.

This course is for trainers who understand how widespread the issue of domestic and family violence is, and want to do better in serving their female clients, redirecting them towards appropriate resources and help. We are doing our clients a disservice when we let these patterns of behaviour continue, yet the nuances of abuse make it difficult to define. In this session, we take you through the steps to recognising abuse and where to send your clients for more help.

We are very lucky to discuss this with domestic violence survivor, Leyette, and analyse how Clare, as her personal trainer, could have supported her better. Clare made several mistakes, which she was smart enough to turn in to learning opportunities, and Leyette has successfully extricated herself from the abusive relationship.

IntoYou mini courses are short courses that can be completed in an hour. We release one a month, and you get it free with our Women’s Health Mentorship.